A devastating earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck near the Tibet-Nepal border early Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of at least 90 people and injuring more than 100, according to China’s state media, citing AFP reports.
The quake, which occurred at 6:35 AM IST, had its epicentre in the Tibet region, approximately 93 kilometers northeast of Lobuche, Nepal, as confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). State broadcaster CCTV reported widespread destruction in Dingri County and surrounding areas, with numerous buildings near the epicentre reduced to rubble.
#WATCH | Kathmandu | An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter Scale hit 93 km North East of Lobuche, Nepal at 06:35:16 IST today: USGS Earthquakes pic.twitter.com/MnRKkH9wuR
— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2025
Coordinated Rescue Efforts
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “comprehensive search and rescue operations, efforts to minimize casualties, and proper resettlement of affected residents.” He also emphasized ensuring the safety and well-being of those impacted as they face the harsh winter season.
The earthquake, centred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, also caused tremors in northern India, including Bihar, and several parts of the Himalayan region. Lobuche, located near the Khumbu Glacier in Nepal and about 150 kilometers east of Kathmandu, lies close to the Everest Base Camp.
China’s earthquake monitoring agency registered the magnitude as 6.8 and reported that the epicentral region is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), highlighting the challenging terrain for rescue operations.
Series of Aftershocks
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) recorded two additional tremors later in the morning. The first, a magnitude 4.7 quake, occurred at 7:02 AM IST, with an epicenter at latitude 28.60°N and longitude 87.68°E, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Historical Context and Vulnerability
Nepal’s location within a highly seismically active zone makes it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. Experts note that significant tremors in this region are almost inevitable. The most catastrophic earthquake in Nepal's recent history occurred on April 25, 2015, when a magnitude 7.8 quake claimed approximately 9,000 lives and damaged nearly one million structures. A previous major earthquake in 1934 resulted in over 8,000 fatalities.
Regional Activity
A day before the Tibet-Nepal quake, Afghanistan experienced an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 at 12:47 PM IST, as reported by the NCS. This quake, with its epicenter at latitude 36.55°N and longitude 67.86°E, struck at a depth of 120 kilometers.
The recent seismic activity highlights the ongoing risks posed by the tectonic instability of the region, underscoring the urgent need for disaster preparedness and effective response mechanisms.
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